Roll tape cutting machine

ABSTRACT

An automatic tape cutting or slitting machine in which the roll of tape to be slit for conversion into narrower roll strips is carried on a mandrel provided with a radially expansible shaft to ensure secure and tensioned frictional engagement of the tape roll on the mandrel. Additionally, the machine includes a cutting blade which is pivotally adjustable to provide axial thrust or tension against the roll of tape concurrently with the radial force applied to the roll during the cutting operation, thereby to obviate objectionable variation in the width of a cut strip due to the roll-distorting wedging force of the roll-penetrating cutting blade. The tape slitting machine includes additional features, such as automatic indexing from cut to cut and automatic return of the cutting blade to a precise start position upon the completion of each tape slitting cycle. Still another feature of the machine of the invention is a fluid energized ram actuable to abut the outer face or end of the tape roll to bring that face into a planar configuration normal to the axis of the tape roll preparatory to cutting roll strips from the tape roll.

United States Patent Witcraft et a1.

1 Jan. 21,1975

[ ROLL TAPE CUTTING MACHINE [75] Inventors: Richard L. Witcraft, Chicago;

Joseph J. Palmeri, Des Plaines, both of I11.

[73] Assignee: Unipat Corporation of America II,

Chicago, Ill.

[22] Filed: Dec. 26, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 428,455

[52] US. Cl 82/48, 82/83, 82/101 [51] Int. Cl B23b 37/00, B23b 3/04 [58] Field of Search 82/46, 47, 48, 83, 86, 82/87, 101

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,758,729 5/1930 Wilson 82/47 2,350,535 6/1944 Sarvlla 82/47 2,661,579 12/1953 Lomazzo et a1. 82/48 3,068,729 12/1962 Johnson et al. 82/48 X 3,083,601 4/1963 Leiss et al 82/48 3,118,333 1/1964 Pilcher-et al 3,185,005 5/1965 Judelson 82/48 3,186,133 6/1965 Maki 82/48 X 3,323,399 6/1967 Gerstein et a1. 82/101 3,453,912 7/1969 Shafer 82/101 3,748,934 7/1973 Lezberg 82/48 Primary ExaminerHarrison L. Hinsor Attorney, Agent, or Firml(egan, Kegan & Bcrkman [57] ABSTRACT An automatic tape cutting or slitting machine in which the roll of tape to be slit for conversion into narrower roll strips is carried on a mandrel provided with a radially expansible shaft to ensure secure and tensioncd frictional engagement of the tape roll on the mandrel. Additionally, the machine includes a cutting blade which is pivotally adjustable to provide axial thrust or tension against the roll of tape concurrently with the radial force applied to the roll during the cutting operation, thereby to obviate objectionable variation in the width of a cut strip due to the roll-distorting wedging force of the roll-penetrating cutting blade. The tape slitting machine includes additional features, such as automatic indexing from cut to cut and automatic return of the cutting blade to a precise start position upon the completion of each tape slitting cycle. Still another feature of the machine of the invention is a fluid energized ram actuable to abut the outer face or end of the tape roll to bring that face into a planar configuration normal to the axis of the tape roll preparatory to cutting roll strips from the tape roll.

9 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures ROLL TAPE CUTTING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to an improved machine of the type used for converting roll stock material including paper, plastic and cloth into smaller roll segments to provide roll strips or tapes. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a roll tape slitting machine in which the stock roll is rotated on a mandrel and a circular blade or cutting knife is presented radially toward to penetrate the mandrelcarried roll thereby to sever a segment of that roll to provide, in stepped repetitive sequence, a series of smaller rolls.

While prior art machines of the general type indicated include features which have rendered them more or less semiautomatic in use, such machines have, for the most part, required experienced operators and have demanded continuous attention.

A problem which has plagued the processors or convertors of roll stock material in their commercial transforming of such rolls into narrower strips is to produce strip segments which are of a controlled, constant width from the outer surface to the inner core. The problem derives from the fact that as the slitting knife blade is moved radially inwardly into the roll stock, there is an axial thrust vector which results in the end face of the roll being cut to assume a conical taper with the apex of the cone near the roll core. Concurrently, the trimmed end of the roll is formed with a conical depression, the apex of this cone being at the core and spaced from the chuck. This objectionable occurrence makes it necessary to remove the roll and reverse it on the chuck and then trim the end face flat. Material narrower than the required width must be discarded. The procedures described are not only time consuming but highly wasteful. In some instances, prior art machines and techniques have sought to obviate this problem by carefully controlling the angle of the bevel of the cutting wheel. However, the task of establishing a proper" angle of bevel is subject to a hit and miss grinding process since different bevel angles are required for different tape widths and for different types of tape material such as paper, cloth and plastic, the length and angle of the bevel controlling the degree of side thrust produced. It will be appreciated that, irrespective of the particular technique involved, the axial force applied must counterbalance the pressure produced by the roll so as to provide a straight, flat cut.

It has also been difficult to ensure that the start or reset position for each successive cut is precisely in accordance with the program elected. Again, the selection of a particular setting is somewhat subjective and has in the past depended upon the skill and experience of the particular operator. It is highly desirable that the personal factor be eliminated from the effective use of the type of machines involved.

In using roll tape slitting machines of the type described, it is essential that there be provided a quick and reliable means by which the core wound roll may be secured to the mandrel of the machine. Several techniques have been used in the prior art, including pins and clamping jaws, but these expedients permit a certain degree of mechanical instability resulting in wobble and double-cutting, the blade skipping as it enters the material. Such physical instability is highly objectionable and materially interferes with the production of high quality commercial products.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide an essentially automatic roll tape slitting machine which eliminates the deficiencies and shortcomings described above and others of the prior art mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides, in a roll tape slitting machine for cutting a roll tape stock to provide a series of smaller tapes or rolls of a predetermined width, an improved roll locking mandrel whereby stock rolls having cores of somewhat different diameters may be readily and quickly secured and released; a cutting blade shiftable through an arc to any selectible fixed cutting angle whereby an axial thrust force is applied against the tape roll being cut, simultaneously with the application of radial force during the cutting thereof; and a tape roll end-abutment plate and cooperating ram means for applying end pressure against the roll to effect a squared edge alignment of the coils of the tape roll carried on the mandrel.

Another feature of the invention is the controlled temporary release by the mandrel of a tape segment severed from the tape roll to facilitate the lateral displacement of the cut segment upon completion of the cutting operation.

The blade supporting carriage is provided with automatically controlled indexing mechanisms which shift the blade to any predetermined incremental step for successive cuts of the stock roll. The carriage control mechanism also includes sensing means whereby the apparatus is automatically turned off upon the completion of the multi-step cutting cycle.

Still another feature of the slitting machine of the invention is a dual speed or two-speed entry control which regulates the advancing movement of the cutting wheel as it approaches the mandrel-carried tape roll. A faster approach rate is used in the approach period and then, upon actuation of a microswitch, the advance rate is reduced during the actual cutting operation. Retraction of the cutting wheel from the roll, upon completion of a cutting operation, is again at the faster rate.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the mandrel is provided with a dynamic brake actuated upon completion of the cutting cycle to eliminate undue delay in the removal of the cut rolls axially or endwise from the mandrel.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will become evident upon a consideration of the following specification together with the drawing.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, the aims and objects are accomplished by providing, in a tape slitting machine, means for radially expanding the tape roll carrying mandrel to engage and lock the core of the tape roll in place for the cutting operation. The cutting blade is mounted on a carriage which provides both lateral and front to rear movement and includes means for shifting the angle of the blade to any preferred degree as the blade approaches and penetrates the roll tape. Hydraulic or pneumatic means are also provided to energize and drive an end abutment plate against the end face of the tape roll carried on the mandrel. Automatic indexing and control switches are provided so that the entire sequence of cutting operations may be conducted in an essentially automatic procedure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The invention will be more specifically and more fully described in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a tape slitting machine embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the machine of FIG. 1 showing the roll-supporting radially-expansible mandrel, the ram mechanism for squaring the roll end, the cutting blade, and the pivotal and shiftable carriage supporting the cutting blade;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view showing the radially expansible mandrel, a mandrel-supported tape roll to be cut, and the slitting blade and supporting carriage, taken substantially on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the tape roll ramming plate and supporting stand taken substantially on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the blade support carriage taken substantially on the line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the lines 6-6 of FIG. 1 and showing the fluid pressure lines and the cylinders for controlling the shifting of the ram plate to square the end of the tape roll;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the roll supporting mandrel taken substantially on the line 77 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 8-8 of FIG. 1 and showing the mandrel and the tape roll supported thereon;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the radially expansible mandrel on which the tape roll is secured;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a tape roll in sleeved engagement on its supporting mandrel, the tape roll being shown with its outer end face telescoped out of square;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a tape roll in sleeved engagement on its supporting mandrel and with the tape roll squaring abutment plate or ram urged axially against the roll end to square the end of the roll;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a roll of tape in sleeved engagement with and carried on the supporting mandrel, the tape roll edge being shown as squared after stressed contact with the end abutment plate of the roll aligning ram;

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation showing the cutting blade penetrating into the tape roll at an angle to sever a roll segment having a constant axial width throughout its radial expanse; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the combination hydraulic and pneumatic fluid control system used in the operation of the machine of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, there is shown, for the purpose of illustrative desclosure, a preferred embodiment of one form of the roll tape cutting machine of the invention. As illustrated, the machine includes a tape roll carrying mandrel and drive assembly 20, a cutting knife and carriage assembly 24, and a tape roll ram or abutment assembly 30, each supported on a frame or table 32.

The chuck or mandrel 36 is generally cylindrical in form and is secured on a rotatable shaft 38 coupled by means of sprockets 42 and 44 and a U-belt 48 to the shaft 52 of a drive motor 56. The mandrel shaft 38 carries a stop plate 60 against which one end 64 of the tape roll 66 abuts when the tape roll is in position on the mandrel 36. The tape of the roll is ordinarily wound on a core 68 of cardboard or the like which presents no problem during the cutting operation.

Mounted on the mandrel 36 is a sleeve 70 formed of a resilient or elastomeric material to be radially expansible. That portion of the mandrel 36 over which the sleeve 70 lies is provided with a plurality of openings or slots 74 communicating interiorly of the mandrel with a fluid passage 78 extending axially within the mandrel 36 and connected at the secured end of the mandrel to a rotating joint 80 coupled in turn to a fluid supply line 84 whereby the forced transmittal of fluid interiorally of the mandrel 36 by means of a fluid pump (FIG. 14) effects a radial expansion of the mandrel sleeve 70 to force the sleeve into firm and frictionally secure engagement against the core 68 of the mandrel carried tape roll 66, as indicated in FIG. 1. Release of the fluid pressure permits the sleeve 70 to contract radially and enables one to remove the core-supported tape roll, and severed roll segments quite readily.

The knife assembly wr of the invention is provided with positioning means for shifting the knife blade laterally, fore and aft, and for pivoting the blade about an axis extending transversely of the rotational axis of the blade. As shown in FIG. 3, the knife blade assembly 24 includes a base plate carried on a pair of parallel spaced laterally extending rails or tracks 94 supported at their opposed ends in table-carried pillow blocks provided with suitable bearings. Overlying and spaced from the floor plate 90 is a second plate 110, the latter being coupled to and shiftable transversely of the floor plate 90 in a plane parallel thereto, on a. pair of fore and aft tracks or rails 112. The rails 112 are carried in bearing supports secured to and extending upwardly of the floor plate 90. The second plate 110 is carried on the rails 112 by means of pillow block bearing units secured to the underside at the second plate 110 as shown in FIG. 3, and slideably supported on the rails 112.

Shifting of the knife carrying assembly laterally and fore and aft may be achieved by any desired means including screw threaded shafts and actuating hand wheels, as well as hydraulic or pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies.

Foreward and rearward positioning of the knife carriage 24 is achieved by means of a dual acting piston and cylinder assembly 132, illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 14. As shown, the assembly 132, carried by and secured to the floor plate 90, includes a cylinder 136, a piston 140, and a piston rod 144, the latter being fastened in turn to a fixture secured to the underside of the second plate 110. Thus, delivery of pressurized fluid into the cylinder 136 at the left side of the piston 140 (FIG. 5) causes the plate 110 to move forwardly or toward the chuck 36, as indicated in FIG. 2. Conversely, the introduction of pressurized fluid into the chamber at the right side of the piston 140 will cause the support table 110 to move rearwardly or away from the chuck.

Referring further to the knife carriage assembly 24, the plate on which the knife blade support standards 170 are actually carried overlies and is pivotally secured to the lower plate 110 as indicated in FIG. 2, the pivotal action being about a shoulder bolt 174 projecting through an opening 176 in the lower plate 110 and screwed into the upper plate 160. The plate 160 is also provided with an arcuate slot 180 through which a bolt 184 fastened to the lower plate 110 extends. The bolt 184 when tightened acts to lock the plate 160 against pivotal movement with respect to the plate 1 l0.

Angular adjustment of the plate 160 and the knife blade 200 carried thereby is effected by means of a threaded rod 186 having a knurled knob 188. The rod 186 passes through a pivot block 190 and is held in position by means of collars 192 on either side of the pivot block 190. The rod 186 is threadedly engaged in a pivot plug 194 so that rotational movement of the rod 186 either extends or shortens the distance between the pivot plug 194 and the pivot block 190. As the plug 194 pivots inthe top plate 160 while the pivot block 190 is attached to the top of plate 110, any relative movement between the plug 194 and the block 190 produces an angular shift between the plates 110 and 160 around the shoulder bolt 174.

The circular slitting blade 200 is rotatably supported on a shaft 204 secured in pillow block bearings 206 each fastened and firmly secured to the top plate 160 so that pivotal movement of the top plate 160 effects a corresponding arcuate shift of the blade 200 through a horizontal angle, such a displacement being indicated schematically in FIG. 2.

In addition to the piston and cylinder assembly 132 for shifting the knife carriage forward and rearwardly, there is provided a threaded shaft and drive gear assembly 210 including both manual and power means for positioning the blade-carrying table 160 laterally. The manual drive mechanism constitutes a gear system 212 and a pair-of drive shafts 214 and 216 coupled thereto. The primary shaft 214' is turned by means of a hand wheel 220 to rotate the secondary shaft 216 through a gear box 212, the secondary shaft 216 being threadedly engaged in a fixed nut 224 fastened to plate 90, the shaft 216 riding in a bearing 228 secured to the table support 32 (FIG. 2) whereby rotation of the hand wheel 220 is effective to shift the carriage assembly laterally to any desired position, and, correspondingly, to locate the knife blade 200 at any lateral position along the axial length of the mandrel carried tape roll 66. The hand wheel controlled drive assembly is useful in establishing the incremental steps and facilitating the setting of the lateral positioning stops used to effectuate the automatic operation of the cutting wheel to sever a series of tape strips 230 from the tape roll 66. The weight of the knife carriage assembly 24 is carried by ball bushings 232 riding on the rails 94 (FIG. 1).

A second means for positioning the knife carriage 24 laterally consists of an electric motor 234 the output shaft 236 of which is mechanically coupled to the shaft 216 through a pair of meshing gears 238.

It will be appreciated by those versed in the relevant art that the roll stock material which is used in conjunction with the cutting machine of the type involved in the subject invention, is not precisely squared as received. Rather, the rolls are often telescoped, having conical end formations 244 (FIG. While it is possible to square the end by cutting off and discarding an incremental width of the tape roll, this procedure is wasteful. In accordance with the practice of the present invention there is provided a unique ram or ramming plate assembly 30 shown in FIGS. 1,2, and 4. As illustrated, the ramming assembly 30 includes an abutment plate 250 having a center opening 252 aligned axially with the mandrel 36 and sized to permit entry of the mandrel into the opening 252. The abutment plate 250, which extends in a vertical plane, is secured to and carried by a tubular shaft 256 which telescopingly overrides an interior shaft 260 in bearing-support engagement therewith (FIG. 6). The shaft 260 is supported in turn on a frame or end wall 264 and on a standard 270 secured to the apparatus table 32, the outer tube 256 being slotted 274 along its lower length to permit access to and attachment of the supports 264 and 270 to the inner shaft 260 as indicated in FIG. 6.

Paralleling and disposed at either side of the telescoping tube and rod system 256 and 270 are a pair of pneumatic piston assemblies 280 and 284 the ends of which are attached respectively to the abutment plate 250 and to the support frame or end wall 264, as shown in FIG. 2. The assemblies include, in each case, ram pistons 290 and cylinders 294 (FIG. 14), the pistons being connected to rods 300 extending axially from the assemblies and fastened to the face plate 250. Fluid conduits 302 and 304 connected at opposite ends of each cylinder and piston assembly are adapted to connect to a fluid pump system (FIG. 14) whereby the piston may be actuated to propel the pressure plate or abutment plate 250 outwardly from and inwardly into the cylinder assemblies 280 and 284.

The manner in which the fluid actuated abutment plate 250 is used to square or align the ends of the coils of the tape roll 66 is indicated in FIGS. 10 and 11, FIG. 10 showing the roll of tape 66 in place on the mandrel 36 and FIG. 11 indicating schematically the result of shifting the abutment plate laterally toward the man drel 36 to sleeve over the mandrel and abut and press the tape roll 66 to square the outer edge surface, as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 also indicates schematically the radial expansion of the mandrel-covering sleeve 70 to lock the tape roll 66 in place. With the tape roll 66 squared and locked on the mandrel as shown in FIG. 12, the apparatus is ready for the first cutting operation which is indicated schematically in FIG. 13 which shows the cutting blade 200 angled from a normal plane to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. It will be appreciated that angling of the blade 200 is not necessary for all types of cutting operations, and that in some cases the blade enters the roll 66 along a plane normal to the axis of the roll.

As has been previously indicated, the purpose of the angular shift of the cutting wheel is to compensate for the roll telescoping effects produced in some operations, the telescoping being objectionable in that it produces tape strips which are not of a constant width throughout their radial expanse. It is an important feature of the present invention that the entry of the cutting blade at a controlled angle obviates such telescoping.

From the foregoing description of the machine, it will be evident how the apparatus of the invention operates to transform a roll of tape into a plurality of narrower roll strips. The proceduralsteps are set forth briefly below. Initially, the tape roll 66 is slid onto the mandrel 36. The ram plate 250 is then forced against the roll to square the end as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. While the abutment plate 250 is still in stressed contact against the end of the roll 66, the mandrel sleeve 70 is expanded radially to engage the core 68 of the tape roll 66 and hold the latter firmly in place. The abutment plate 250 is then withdrawn by the ram assembly 30, and the roll is ready for slitting.

As an initial step in the actual cutting operation, the cutting edge 310 of the blade 200 is brought into registry with the periphery 312 of the tape roll 66. This operation establishes a reference position with respect to which the machine may then be set into automatic operation to sever a series of tape strips of any selectible predeterminable width. It is an important feature of the operation of the machine that, upon the completion of each specific cut, and while the blade is still displaced toward the mandrel and is still in stressed abutment against the remaining uncut portion of the tape roll 66, the internal pressure within the sleeve 70 encircling the mandrel 36 is momentarily reduced (FIG. 14) or relieved whereby the cut strip is displaced to move axially outwardly along the mandrel while the uncut portion of the tape roll 66 is held in place. Just as the blade 200 begins to retract preparatory to making the next cut, the sleeve 70 re-expands firmly to re-engage the tape in position on the mandrel 36. The above expansive and relaxation sequence is repeated with each cutting operation, the roll 66 being at all times locked against the stop plate 60 so that the integrity of positioning is preserved.

Another important feature of the roll tape cutting machine of the invention is a two-speed entry control which requlates the motion of the cutting wheel 200 as it approaches the mandrel-carried tape roll 66. In the initial motion period the approach rate is relatively rapid and, then, upon actuation of a microswitch a fullflow valve 330 closes (FIG. 14) forcing the fluid through a flow controlled by-pass circuit including a control valve 334 by which the rate of fluid flow is infinitely adjustable to any reduced speed, thereby slowing the advance rate of the cutting wheel 200 toward and into the roll 66.

In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated, buildup of adhesive material on the surface of the cutting blade is obviated in that, during the cutting operation, the blade is sprayed with water mist delivered through a conduit and applied from an atomizing orifice, the water solution acting as a lubricant and cleaner to maintain the surface of the cutting blade free from ojbectionable deposits normally accumulated as the blade cuts through the adhesive-coated tapes. The water solution may preferably contain a detergent composition or a lubricant in the form of a solublized silicone.

The mandrel drive motor 56 is provided with dynamic braking means whereby the mandrel rotation is decelerated rapidly upon the completion of the last cut from the tape roll 66. The braking is conveniently achieved by reversing the current flow in the drive motor itself. Alternatively, a mechanical shifting of an abutment shoe or brake against the rotating rotor of the motor may serve as the braking means. Preferably, when the motor is deenergized the forces normally holding the brake shoe away from the rotor of the motor are released and the shoe then frictionally engages the rotor and brings the motor to a quick stop.

An important feature of the tape slitting machine of the invention is that upon the completion of cutting operations carried out on a given roll of material, the slitting wheel automatically returns to the proper zero reference or start position for the slitting of a new roll. No resetting or realignment is required. A programcontrolling console 340 is connected electrically to a pair of microswitches 342 and 344 carried by the knife support carriage 24 for lateral travel therewith (FIG. 2). A rail 350 secured to the support table 32 and parelleling the path traversed by the knife 200 carries a pair of laterally spaced adjustably positionable stops 354 and 356 supported in the line of travel of the switches 342 and 344 for engagement therewith.

In setting up the machine, one stop 354 is locked in place on the rail 350 so as to engage and open the first microswitch 342 when the cutting blade edge 310 is precisely aligned with the outer end of the mandrelcarried roll 66, so that the switch 342 turns the knife slitting drive motor 234 off at this exact position, preparatory to the initiation of a new cutting cycle. The second stop 356 is locked in place near the opposite end of the rail 350 at a position so as to engage the other microswitch 344 when the cutting blade 200 severs the last strip from the roll, retracts, and shifts laterally toward a next cutting position. Controls in the console 340 then turn on the drive motor 234 in a direction to return the cutting wheel 200 to a start position correlated with engagement of the first microswitch 342 with its stop 354.

While disclosures of preferred embodiments of the roll tape cutting machine and of preferred methods for operating the machine have been provided, it will be apparent that numerous modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. It is, therefore, desired by the following claims to include within the scope of the invention all such variations and modifications by which substantially the results of this invention may be obtained through the use of substantially the same or equivalent means.

What is claimed is: 1. A tape slitting machine comprising, in combination, frame means,

mandrel means carried by said frame means and means rotatably supporting said mandrel means to turn a core-wound roll of tape to be cut, roll locking means for securing the roll of tape on the mandrel means for fixed rotation therewith, blade means including a blade for slitting the roll of tape to provide a plurality of narrower roll strips,

carriage means for supporting said blade means and for controlling the movement thereof during execution of a tape-slitting cycle thereby,

said carriage means including rail means constituting mechanical guides for controlling movement of said blade means therealong,

drive means for shifting said blade means on said rail means along a path paralleling a rotational axis of the roll of tape to bring said blade to selectable axial positions along the roll of tape, each said positions being correlated with a strip segment to be severed from the roll of tape,

drive means for moving said blade in a plane generally normal to a rotational axis of the roll of tape to cut therethrough to transform the roll of tape into a series of incremental roll strips, and cut-trueing means for ensuring that each roll strip cut from the roll of tape has an axial width which is constant through the radial thickness of the roll strip,

said cut-trueing means constituting means for impressing an asymmetrical axial thrust force against the roll of tape simultaneously with application of radial force thereto during cutting thereof.

2. The structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cut-trueing means includes blade angle adjustment means for pivoting said blade through an are lying in a plane paralleling the rotational axis of the roll of tape,

locking means to hold said blade at a selectable fixed cutting angle in said plane during travel of said blade through said roll of tape;

whereby upon advancing said cutting blade means transversely of a rotational axis of said roll of tape to present a cutting edge of said blade to the roll of tape for severance of a segment therefrom, said blade executes a path correlated with a succession series of parallel planes each of which is angled with respect to a reference plane in which the cutting edge of said blade moves as it penetrates the roll of tape and cuts therethrough, thereby to provide roll strips each having a constant axial width throughout its through radial expanse.

3. The structure as set forth in claim 1 whereby said holding means for securing the roll of tape on said mandrel means comprises:

fluid-pressure-responsive means for expanding said mandrel means radially to effect secure and tensioned frictional engagement between the core of said roll of tape and said mandrel means extending coaxially therewithin,

means, selectively actuable, to develop fluid pressure within said mandrel means for expansion thereof radially, stressingly to engage said roll of tape interiorly within the core thereof, thereby to secure said roll of tape fixedly in place and to obviate longitudinal shifting thereof during transverse slitting operations performed thereon.

4. The structure as set forth in claim 3 and further comprising valving means for controlling the pressure applied to said mandrel means internally thereof,

said valving means being selectively operable to vent pressurizing fluid from said mandrel means to reduce fluid pressure therewithin,

thereby to free the core of said roll of tape from said mandrel means and to permit longitudinal shifting of a cut segment of said roll of tape axially along said mandrel means for removal therefrom.

5. The structure as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a tape roll end abutment plate disposed at an inner extremity of said mandrel means and extending normal thereto,

ram means for urging a mandrel-means-carried roll of tape against said abutment plate to effect a squared edge alignment of the coils of a roll of tape on said mandrel means,

said ram means including a shiftable pressing plate for impacting presentation against edges of coils of said roll of tape,

said plate having an abutment face extending in a plane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said mandrel means,

shaft means secured to said plate and projecting normally thereof along an axial line generally paralleling a rotational axis of said mandrel means, and means for propelling said shaft means and said ramming plate carried thereby longitudinally of the axis of said shaft means and into forcible pressurized contact against edges of said coils of said roll of tape to bring said edges into planar alignment.

6. The structure as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising two speed blade entry control means for regulating the speeds at which the slitting blade moves toward and cuts into the tape roll, the approach of the blade to the roll being at a relatively rapid rate and the advancing penetration of the blade into the roll to sever a segment therefrom being at a slower rate.

7. The structure as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising drive motor means for rotating said mandrel and said tape roll carried thereby and dynamic braking means for braking said mandrel to a quick stop upon the completion of a given cut of the tape roll to facilitate removal of a cut segment of the tape roll from the mandrel.

8. The structure as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising indexing means for moving said carriage means and said blade means carried thereby to present said blade means to said tape roll at successive longitudinal traversing positions therealong to sever, in stepped sequence, a series of roll segments from said tape roll, the axial width of said segments being defined by selective settings of said indexing means.

9. The structure as set forth in claim 8 and further comprising blade carriage reset means operable upon completion of a cycle of incremental cuts of tape segments from said tape roll to return the blade means carried by said carriage to a start position preparatory to traversing a programmed second tape slitting sequence. 

1. A TAPE SLITTING MACHINE COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, FRAME MEANS, MANDREL MEANS CARRIED BY SAID FRAME MEANS AND MEANS ROTATABLY SUPPORTING SAID MANDREL MEANS TO TURN A CORE-WOUND ROLL OF TAPE TO BE CUT, ROLL LOCKING MEANS FOR SECURING THE ROLL OF TAPE ON THE MANDREL MEANS FOR FIXED ROTATION THEREWITH, BLADE MEANS INCLUDING A BLADE FOR SLITTING THE ROLL OF TAPE TO PROVIDE A PLURALITY OF NARROWER ROLL STRIPS, CARRIAGE MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID BLADE MEANS AND FOR CONTROLLING THE MOVEMENT THEREOF DURING EXECUTION OF A TAPESLITTING CYCLE THEREBY, SAID CARRIAGE MEANS INCLUDING RAIL MEANS CONSTITUTING MECHANICAL GUIDES FOR CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF SAID BLADE MEANS THEREALONG, DRIVE MEANS FOR SHIFTING SAID BLADE MEANS ON SAID RAIL MEANS ALONG A PATH PARALLELING A ROTATIONAL AXIS OF THE ROLL OF TAPE TO BRING SAID BLADE TO SELECTABLE AXIAL POSITIONS ALONG THE ROLL OF TAPE, EACH SAID POSITIONS BEING CORRELATED WITH A STRIP SEGMENT TO BE SEVERED FROM THE ROLL OF TAPE, DRIVE MEANS FOR MOVING SAID BLADE IN A PLANE GENERALLY NORMAL TO A ROTATIONAL AXIS OF THE ROLL OF TAPE TO CUT THERETHROUGH TO TRANSFORM THE ROLL OF TAPE INTO A SERIES OF INCREMENTAL ROLL STRIPS, AND CUT-TRUEING MEANS FOR ENSURING THAT EACH ROLL STRIP CUT FROM THE ROLL OF TAPE HAS AN AXIAL WIDTH WHICH IS CONSTANT THROUGH THE RADIAL THICKNESS OF THE ROLL STRIP, SAID CUT-TRUEING MEANS CONSTITUTING MEANS FOR IMPRESSING AN ASYMMETRICAL AXIAL THRUST FORCE AGAINST THE ROLL OF TAPE SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH APPLICATION OF RADIAL FORCE THERETO DURING CUTTING THEREOF.
 2. The structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cut-trueing means includes blade angle adjustment means for pivoting said blade through an arc lying in a plane paralleling the rotational axis of the roll of tape, locking means to hold said blade at a selectable fixed cutting angle in said plane during travel of said blade through said roll of tape; whereby upon advancing said cutting blade means transversely of a rotational axis of said roll of tape to present a cutting edge of said blade to the roll of tape for severance of a segment therefrom, said blade executes a path correlated with a succession series of parallel planes each of which is angled with respect to a reference plane in which the cutting edge of said blade moves as it penetrates the roll of tape and cuts therethrough, thereby to provide roll strips each having a constant axial width throughout its through radial expanse.
 3. The structure as set forth in claim 1 whereby said holding means for securing the roll of tape on said mandrel means comprises: fluid-pressure-responsive means for expanding said mandrel means radially to effect secure and tensioned frictional engagement between the core of said roll of tape and said mandrel means extending coaxially therewithin, means, selectively actuable, to develop fluid pressure within said mandrel means for expansion thereof radially, stressingly to engage said roll of tape interiorly within the core thereof, thereby to secure said roll of tape fixedly in place and to obviate longitudinal shifting thereof during transverse slitting operations performed thereon.
 4. The structure as set forth in claim 3 and further comprising valving means for controlling the pressure applied to said mandrel means internally thereof, said valving means being selectively operable to vent pressurizing fluid from said mandrel means to reduce fluid pressure therewithin, thereby to free the core of said roll of tape from said mandrel means and to permit longitudinal shifting of a cut segment of said roll of tape axially along said mandrel means for removal therefrom.
 5. The structure as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a tape roll end abutment plate disposed at an inner extremity of said mandrel means and extending normal thereto, ram meaNs for urging a mandrel-means-carried roll of tape against said abutment plate to effect a squared edge alignment of the coils of a roll of tape on said mandrel means, said ram means including a shiftable pressing plate for impacting presentation against edges of coils of said roll of tape, said plate having an abutment face extending in a plane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said mandrel means, shaft means secured to said plate and projecting normally thereof along an axial line generally paralleling a rotational axis of said mandrel means, and means for propelling said shaft means and said ramming plate carried thereby longitudinally of the axis of said shaft means and into forcible pressurized contact against edges of said coils of said roll of tape to bring said edges into planar alignment.
 6. The structure as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising two speed blade entry control means for regulating the speeds at which the slitting blade moves toward and cuts into the tape roll, the approach of the blade to the roll being at a relatively rapid rate and the advancing penetration of the blade into the roll to sever a segment therefrom being at a slower rate.
 7. The structure as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising drive motor means for rotating said mandrel and said tape roll carried thereby and dynamic braking means for braking said mandrel to a quick stop upon the completion of a given cut of the tape roll to facilitate removal of a cut segment of the tape roll from the mandrel.
 8. The structure as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising indexing means for moving said carriage means and said blade means carried thereby to present said blade means to said tape roll at successive longitudinal traversing positions therealong to sever, in stepped sequence, a series of roll segments from said tape roll, the axial width of said segments being defined by selective settings of said indexing means.
 9. The structure as set forth in claim 8 and further comprising blade carriage reset means operable upon completion of a cycle of incremental cuts of tape segments from said tape roll to return the blade means carried by said carriage to a start position preparatory to traversing a programmed second tape slitting sequence. 